“Women tech entrepreneurs in Ecuador: Knowledge barriers, network gaps, and systemic dynamics”

Pineda F.V.C.; Ortega-Alvarez A.M. · Problems and Perspectives in Management (2026) · DOI: 10.21511/ppm.24(3).2026.05

Resumen

Although Ecuador has a high rate of women’s business ownership, only a small proportion of these enterprises operate within the technology sector. This study aims to examine women’s technological entrepreneurship in Ecuador using a qualitative phenomenological approach. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 23 female entrepreneurs between September and October 2025. The findings revealed recurring themes in participants’ experiences, including gender inequality, bureaucratic obstacles, conservative social attitudes, and limited access to professional networks. Despite these challenges, the entrepreneurs emphasize that they possess considerable resilience and innovation, adapting to emerging technologies and building strategic support networks. Participants also highlighted the importance of inclusive public policies to address these barriers and promote a more equitable and sustainable entrepreneurial ecosystem for women in the technology sector. Although the study focuses on a single country, its findings provide valuable insights into the current state of women’s technological entrepreneurship and highlight the significant role of the institutional and social environment in shaping the development of such ventures. © The author(s) 2026.

Instituciones: Pontificia Universidad Católica del Perú